2023 Solar Incentives Guide for San Anselmo, CA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in San Anselmo.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted San Anselmo solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in San Anselmo?
Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System
Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts
Self-Generation Incentive Program
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.
Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT)
LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program
Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met
California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program
Single Family Residential Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted
Commercial/Multifamily Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E
Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" includes a range of financial incentives designed to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. These incentives might include cash back, upfront discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the state of California and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Don't forget to speak with your San Anselmo utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to get a credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to exclude the value added by your solar system when calculating property tax for your home.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
- Rebates: Your solar installer might help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually come off the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other performance-based incentives may be available to you if your solar system produces over a specified (generally small) amount of electricity. These types of incentives are usually handled at the state level. You can sell any SRECs you have to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you make is usually considered part of your taxable income.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. An incentive that most people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a given percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC originally covered 30% of the total cost of installing solar panels, although it has fluctuated slightly over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, labor and equipment. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.
To better understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, speak with your local San Anselmo solar panel installation expert.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). The Clean Energy Credit has increased the current credit up to 30% for solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032. At this point, the credit percentage will decrease slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To best understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, reach out to your local San Anselmo solar installation company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more can be claimed at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Your local incentives might come from the California government, or from your specific county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in San Anselmo
Solar incentives may come from the California government, the federal government or your local utility company. The variety of solar incentives available has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. Call your local solar panel installation company today to find out more information and to save as much money as possible on solar panels for your San Anselmo home.
EcoWatch's San Anselmo, CA Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I add a solar system to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?
While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives apply to a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the details.
I already have solar panels installed. Does my system qualify for any incentives?
If your solar system was installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you installed your system between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your system, or any local San Anselmo solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you can apply for.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To learn about the best solar panel installers near you, read our article on San Anselmo's best solar panel companies.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can get?
The new Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for a number of incentives meant to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and wind power. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. Make sure that you discuss the details of your plan with your local San Anselmo solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need and what types of incentives you will or won't qualify for.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.